Per The Hollywood Reporter, fervent negotiations with Nathan Fillion and the other remaining cast have all been in vain, ABC instead opting to make the May 16 closer a finale for the series. Castle had filmed two endings for just such an occasion (presumably one to explain Beckett’s exit), while we’re told the happier of the two will instead air to close out the series.

Before the cancellation, ABC had reportedly locked down Fillion, Molly Quinn, Susan Sullivan, Jon Huertas and Seamus Dever, along with Season 8 addition Toks Olagundoye.

Fans don’t have long to say goodbye, but was Castle better off without a Beckett-free Season 9?